Recipe: Bloody Mary

IN THE MIX: Ripe tomatoes and seasonings make for a fresh Bloody Mary. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Bloody Mary

6 cups Bloody Mary mix (our recipe follows)

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6 ounces good-quality vodka

Coarse salt for rimming the glasses, optional

6 pickled green beans, or 6 stalks celery with leaves, for garnish

1. In a pitcher, combine the mix and vodka.

2. If desired, dampen the rims of 6 old-fashioned glasses and dip them in coarse salt. Fill each glass halfway with ice, then divide the Bloody Marys among them.

3. Garnish each with a pickled bean or celery stalk, and serve.

Bloody Mary mix

6 large, ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced (juices reserved)

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 teaspoons hot sauce, such as Crystal

2 teaspoons minced fresh horseradish

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2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

1 teaspoon celery seed

1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Blend the tomatoes, lemon and lime juice, Worcestershire, garlic, hot sauce, horseradish, salt, Old Bay, celery seed and pepper until smooth. Cover and chill until needed. This recipe makes 6 to 7 cups, depending on the size of the tomatoes; the mix will keep for 1 week.